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Maryland Star Ja'Kobi Gillespie Scheduling Two Major Visits

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 11:02 AM ET

Maryland guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie entered the transfer portal this week and already has two major visits lined up.

Gillespie was one of the Terps' best players this past season, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He entered the portal after Maryland's season ended against Florida in the Sweet 16.

According to Jon Rothstein, Gillespie is working on scheduling visits to Villanova and Tennessee.

Both schools make a ton of sense for Gillespie, especially Villanova. Kevin Willard was Gillespie's head coach at Maryland this season before he left for Villanova. Getting Gillespie on board would be a huge win for Willard and the program.

Tennessee is trying to rebuild its roster for the 2025-26 season after getting to the Elite Eight these last two seasons. Gillespie is from Tennessee so it would be like coming home for him if he transfers to Tennessee.

He spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career with Belmont before transferring to Maryland for the 2024-25 season.

Zakai Zeigler graduated from the Vols after this past season and Gillespie would be a strong replacement for him. The Vols 2024-25 season ended at the hands of the Houston Cougars last Sunday.

The Cougars jumped out to a 34-15 lead at halftime before winning by 19, 69-50.

Buzz Williams took over the Terps men's basketball program on Tuesday after Willard left for the Villanova Wildcats. Williams has spent the last six seasons with the Texas A&M Aggies and took them to the NCAA Tournament three times, including this past season.

Before that, he coached the Virginia Tech Hokies, Marquette Golden Eagles, and the New Orleans Privateers. He has a career coaching record of 373-228.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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